Break in time for my new 04 WRX

GHST · 04-09-2004, 09:38 PM

I recently got a 04 WRX and was wondering how long my break in period should last. I have been keeping it at around 65-75 mph on freeways and varying the speed at which I travel. I shift at about 3k. When should I change the oil? I am at about 750 miles right now. When is it alright to finally let my turbo run free? I want to break this car in right so I don't have problems down the line. This car has got to last me for a long time. Yes this thing is my baby. I don't want to race it around all the time but I plan to mod it in the future, nothing crazy, but definetly something, but that's a subject for a different thread.

I call on the power of NASIOC to help me out.

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Unabomber · 04-09-2004, 11:43 PM

As a new Subaru owner, you might be interested in reading the Subaru FAQ I wrote. To answer your question, the answers are in your owner's manual.

Short answer that should be verified by your manual:

Drive like you have been for 1000 miles on the odometer. Once you hit 1000, drive like a maniac. Change the oil at 3000 miles and then according to your manual.

SIMPFLY · 04-10-2004, 12:46 AM

i followed the break-in procedure until 1400 miles and got an oil change before taking it over 3K rpm. my first oil change was at 1400 miles second with mobil1 at 4300 miles. getting around 400miles per tank right now.

congrats!

wrx112 · 04-10-2004, 03:04 AM

change the oil at 3,000 your tranny and yor diff at 10,000 trust me you will thank me when you see what comes out of the diff and what you smell

Hayes · 04-10-2004, 08:46 AM

I changed my engine oil first time at 2300 miles. Subaru SOA says 3000 and NOT before 1000. I also change my differentals and AT fluids at ~15,000 miles. Sounds like your doing your car correctly as far as breakin. Don't baby it and don't stomp it. Drive normally and check fluids often. Based on oil analysis done by others I expect the full breakin is accomplished by about 4-8,000 miles. Eddie

rexaroo · 04-11-2004, 05:30 PM

You are doing it exactly right going easy the first 1000 miles--get as many highway miles as you can while continuously varying your speed from 50 to 80 and keep the revs below 4000. I'd change it over to Mobil 1 at 1000 miles--you can do it now with no problems at all, but you want to keep SOA happy.

I'd still take it easy after the switch to synthetic until you've clocked 1500 miles. Then you know your piston rings are fully seated (only rev it to 5K or so). THEN--go ahead and have a little fun with some runs to the redline.

Other tips for engine longevity:

Stick with the stock OEM Subie air filter--it's as good as any out there and better than most.

As others suggest, change out the tranny and diff fluids around 15K and put in a good synthetic (Valvoline 75W90 is a good one that's not too expensive.) Then change it again about every 25K.

Switch to Redline 5W30 synthetic anytime after 3K--it's high-moly formula is the ultimate way to pamper your Rex engine! My engine loves the stuff.

Lots of good suggestions in these posts--this is just my take--good luck with your new baby.

GHST · 04-12-2004, 11:29 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Thanks for helping me with my new ride and thanks for welcoming me warmly to the forum.

04-09-2004, 09:38 PM	#1
GHST Scooby Newbie Member#: 59232 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: So Cal Vehicle: 2004 WRX (PSM) Stage II finally	Break in time for my new 04 WRX I recently got a 04 WRX and was wondering how long my break in period should last. I have been keeping it at around 65-75 mph on freeways and varying the speed at which I travel. I shift at about 3k. When should I change the oil? I am at about 750 miles right now. When is it alright to finally let my turbo run free? I want to break this car in right so I don't have problems down the line. This car has got to last me for a long time. Yes this thing is my baby. I don't want to race it around all the time but I plan to mod it in the future, nothing crazy, but definetly something, but that's a subject for a different thread. I call on the power of NASIOC to help me out. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

04-10-2004, 12:46 AM	#3
SIMPFLY Scooby Newbie Member#: 54794 Join Date: Feb 2004 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: dublin, ca Vehicle: 04' WRX survivor 005 to ~188,888+	i followed the break-in procedure until 1400 miles and got an oil change before taking it over 3K rpm. my first oil change was at 1400 miles second with mobil1 at 4300 miles. getting around 400miles per tank right now. congrats! Last edited by SIMPFLY; 04-10-2004 at 12:51 AM.

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04-09-2004, 11:43 PM	#2
Unabomber Big Ron Moderator Member#: 18062 Join Date: Apr 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: I can save you a ton of cash Vehicle: on car parts so PM me b4 j00 buy	As a new Subaru owner, you might be interested in reading the Subaru FAQ I wrote. To answer your question, the answers are in your owner's manual. Short answer that should be verified by your manual: Drive like you have been for 1000 miles on the odometer. Once you hit 1000, drive like a maniac. Change the oil at 3000 miles and then according to your manual.

04-10-2004, 03:04 AM	#4
wrx112 Scooby Specialist Member#: 35048 Join Date: Apr 2003	change the oil at 3,000 your tranny and yor diff at 10,000 trust me you will thank me when you see what comes out of the diff and what you smell

04-10-2004, 08:46 AM	#5
Hayes Scooby Specialist Member#: 11808 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Cape Coral,FL	I changed my engine oil first time at 2300 miles. Subaru SOA says 3000 and NOT before 1000. I also change my differentals and AT fluids at ~15,000 miles. Sounds like your doing your car correctly as far as breakin. Don't baby it and don't stomp it. Drive normally and check fluids often. Based on oil analysis done by others I expect the full breakin is accomplished by about 4-8,000 miles. Eddie

04-11-2004, 05:30 PM	#6
rexaroo Scooby Newbie Member#: 35732 Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Denver,Colorado Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Silver	You are doing it exactly right going easy the first 1000 miles--get as many highway miles as you can while continuously varying your speed from 50 to 80 and keep the revs below 4000. I'd change it over to Mobil 1 at 1000 miles--you can do it now with no problems at all, but you want to keep SOA happy. I'd still take it easy after the switch to synthetic until you've clocked 1500 miles. Then you know your piston rings are fully seated (only rev it to 5K or so). THEN--go ahead and have a little fun with some runs to the redline. Other tips for engine longevity: Stick with the stock OEM Subie air filter--it's as good as any out there and better than most. As others suggest, change out the tranny and diff fluids around 15K and put in a good synthetic (Valvoline 75W90 is a good one that's not too expensive.) Then change it again about every 25K. Switch to Redline 5W30 synthetic anytime after 3K--it's high-moly formula is the ultimate way to pamper your Rex engine! My engine loves the stuff. Lots of good suggestions in these posts--this is just my take--good luck with your new baby.

04-12-2004, 11:29 PM	#7
GHST Scooby Newbie Member#: 59232 Join Date: Apr 2004 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: So Cal Vehicle: 2004 WRX (PSM) Stage II finally	Thanks for all the suggestions guys. Thanks for helping me with my new ride and thanks for welcoming me warmly to the forum.